Always looking for a way to get more vegetables into our diet and knowing my husband will eat anything with pasta, I created this summery vegetable pasta dish with seared scallops. It’s a dish that takes advantage of abundant summer produce but is easily made year round.
What's not to love about pasta? It's so versatile and easy to keep in the pantry for quick meals. Since we are gluten-free, I use this brown rice pasta, but use whatever works for your family. This recipe works with just about any shape noodle, from spaghetti to linguine, and angel hair to penne. Don't eat grains? Try this cassava pasta.
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Buying Scallops
Scallops should smell like the ocean, fresh and clean, not strong or fishy. Choose scallops that are close to the same size so they will cook at the same rate. Watch as they select your scallops so you get what you want.
Look for dry or chemical-free scallops. Ask if they have been treated with a phosphate solution. Treated scallops absorb water. A brilliant white color is a giveaway. You pay for water weight and they don’t taste as good or sear as well.
Scallops are best cooked the same day or no longer than the next day. I usually ask the fish counter to package them with an ice bag to transport home (especially in hot weather). Store in the coldest part of your refrigerator or on a little ice in a bowl (still packaged).
Sea Scallops Vs. Bay Scallops
For this recipe I usually buy medium to large sea scallops. The biggest ones can be pricey. If your market has the sweet little bay scallops, they work fantastic and are much easier on the budget, plus they cook quickly and taste great.
Don't sear them, just cook them quickly in the pan with a little olive oil, a little garlic, salt and pepper and maybe a little squeeze of lemon juice or splash of white wine.
Prep Scallops
Unwrap the scallops and allow them to sit on the counter for about 30 minutes to get the chill off. Check to see if the abductor muscle is still attached (the “foot”). If it is, remove it. It’s chewy and not nice to eat. Some stores remove it for you.
Instructions
Bring a pot of water to a boil for pasta and prep your vegetables. Halve the tomatoes, chop the zucchini and cook the corn. If you don't want to use corn, use more zucchini or add yellow squash or chopped bell peppers.
Tomato tip - Instead of raw tomatoes, make a batch of these roasted cherry tomatoes ahead of time and use them. They are richly flavored and delicious!
Sauté shallot and garlic in a little olive oil, add the vegetables and cook until they are softened and hot. Keep vegetables warm until your scallops are done.
Tips for Searing Scallops
To sear scallops you’ll need a good non-stick pan. Check your pan. If it’s scratchy and the coating is old and flaking, it’s not safe to use. Toss it and invest in a new one. Another option is a well-seasoned cast iron skillet.
Sprinkle the scallops with kosher or sea salt. Heat the pan over medium to medium high and add two teaspoons olive oil. Place the scallops in a single layer in the pan. Don’t crowd them. Allow a golden crust to form.
This will take a few minutes. Don’t disturb the scallops while they are searing. Watch your heat and turn down if needed. You don’t want them to burn.
When you get a golden crust, turn them over. Pour in the wine (or broth) and immediately cover with the lid. Turn the heat to low. The scallops will finish cooking in 1-2 minutes, depending on size and thickness. When done they should still be a little translucent in the center. Don’t overcook them.
Serving
To serve, place pasta and vegetables in a wide shallow bowl and top with scallops. For garish, sprinkle on additional fresh chopped herbs, top with scallops and if desired and little drizzle of good finishing olive oil (a lemon olive oil is nice).
More Seafood Recipes
For another easy recipes with scallops, try scallops wrapped with prosciutto and grilled.
📖 Recipe
Seared Scallops with Vegetables and Pasta
Equipment
- Non-stick pan
Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked corn kernels 2 ears or use frozen thawed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large shallot thinly sliced crosswise into rings
- 3 large garlic cloves chopped fine
- 1 dry pint small sweet tomatoes halved
- 2 medium zucchini about a pound
- 2 teaspoons olive oil to sear scallops
- 1 pound large sea scallops
- ⅔ cup dry white wine or broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 handfuls fresh basil leaves torn up
- 8 ounces pasta of choice angel hair, linguine, or spaghetti
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Instructions
- If using fresh corn, bring a pot of water (large enough to hold the ear of corn) to a boil. Add salt and drop corn into the boiling water. Cook for 3 minutes and remove the corn. When cool enough to handle, cut the kernels off the cob with a sharp knife and set aside.
- For zucchini, trim off the ends, then cut lengthwise into quarters. Holding your knife parallel to the cutting board, cut out the seedy center. Cut each quarter into slices about a ½” (1 cm) wide. Set aside.
- Bring a medium pot of water to a boil for the pasta and cook according to package directions. While the water is coming to a boil, cook the vegetables. In a large sauté or fry pan over medium heat, add the olive oil. When hot add the shallot and cook for 1 minute. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds, then add the corn, tomatoes and zucchini. Cook 5-7 minutes until tomatoes soften and zucchini and corn brown a bit. When done turn off the heat and sprinkle with salt and pepper to season. Keep warm.
- To prepare scallops, pat them dry, then season top and bottom with salt and pepper. Heat a non-stick sauté pan over medium heat with a 2 teaspoons of olive oil. When hot, place the scallops in a flat, single layer in the pan. Allow them to cook until a golden brown crust forms, then turn carefully. Pour in the wine, cover with a lid immediately and turn heat to low. Cook scallops about another 2 minutes. They will be slightly translucent in the center. Do not over cook them. Depending on size, they will take between 5-7 minutes.
- Place hot pasta in wide shallow bowls and top with vegetables, basil, and scallops. Serve immediately.
Notes
Nutrition
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Stacy R says
This recipe was amazing. It was very light yet filling and very flavorful. I added a little extra garlic for more flavor and it turned out just right. Definitely something I will make again. Thank you for posting this!
Katie says
Would a gluten free pasta work instead of the whole wheat option?
Sally says
Hi Katie, yes! I did make a note in the recipe that says try brown rice noodles for g-free followers, or even serve over brown or brown/wild rice blend. Should be great! Enjoy!
Vicky says
I haven't made scallops in a while but this post has certainly got me craving them!
Madonna says
Your food is always so beautifully prepared. I love the skillet photos. For some reason it reinforces the technique for me. I did not know about putting the lid on to finish them. Thanks for another great post.
Shut Up & Cook says
I adore almost all recipes with seared scallops, and this looks like a great one. It's amazing how many people don't know the difference between wet and dry, but what a different it is!
For another scallop recipe that I think you'd adore try Seared Sea Scallops on Bacon Polenta Topped with Chanterelles http://wp.me/puWta-gy
Your Pike Place Chanterelles would be perfect with this!!
Ann Mah says
I love the idea of corn, scallops and pasta together. And the sear on your scallops is admirable! (All this time, I think I haven't heated my pan hot enough.)